Mailbox theft trail travels across the Okanagan

VERNON - One person of two suspected of stealing from mailboxes in the North Okanagan was arrested during a foot chase in Vernon.

Police were told of the recent rash of thefts May 4, when five mailboxes were broken into in the Lavington and Lumby area.

Shortly after, a man and woman entered Money Mart on 25 Avenue and attempted to cash a cheque related to the thefts.

Police were called and a foot chase ensued ending in Polson Park. A 21-year-old woman was caught. Officers soon learned she had eight outstanding warrants for her arrest. She was held in custody and returned to Kelowna.

Investigators searched a vehicle associated with the suspects, finding numerous tools and mail items indicating thefts from super mailboxes throughout the Okanagan, RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk said in a press release. He says the investigation is still in the early phase and it will take time to record all the stolen items and get in touch with those affected.

Anyone with information who may have witnesses suspicious activity around community mailboxes or who knows anything about these thefts can contact the Vernon detachment at 250-545-7171.

— This story was corrected at 4:54 p.m. May 7 to change the number of people arrested from two to one.

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